Dale Culver’s family still waiting for justice
PRINCE GEORGE — Seven years later and Dale Culver’s family says they’re still waiting for justice.
On July 18, 2017, 35-year-old Dale Culver, a Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan man, was riding his bike through the streets of Prince George. Local RCMP Officers responding to a complaint of a man in the area casing vehicles, quickly considered him their primary suspect, officers approached and attempted an arrest. Dale fled on his bike and a struggle with police ensured. During the scuffle he was allegedly pepper sprayed, tackled by multiple officers, and pinned down on the sidewalk. In was around that time, when Dale Culver developed trouble breathing, and according to family. died in police custody on scene, all before medical intervention could arrive.
Two RCMP officers were charged with manslaughter and another three with obstruction of justice. Sgt. John Eusebio Cruz, Const. Arthur Dalman, and Const. Clarence MacDonald were charged with obstruction of justice. Const. Paul Ste. Marie and Const. Jean Francois Monette were charged with manslaughter. Sgt. Cruz and constables Dalman and MacDonald are set to face trial on May 13.
